The city is working on a plan that could shut down parts of Market Street to all passenger cars... with potential options including banning or severely restricting vehicles from driving between the Embarcadero and Octavia Boulevard.
We should probably back up a little. Let's start from the beginning. The group behind this proposal is known as Better Market Street. They consist of 15 individuals from MTA, Department of Public Works, Planning Department, Transportation Authority and Public Utilities Commission and were formed in 2011 (SFGate). The self-described goal of the project is to "revitalize Market Street and reestablish the street as the premier cultural, civic and economic center of San Francisco and the Bay Area." Those are some big plans. And big plans call for gutsy moves. Like removing cars from parts (or all) of Market Street. So what will go in its place? According to Better Market Street, "enlivened public plazas and sidewalks full of cafes... public art and performances... dedicated bicycle facilities... and efficient and reliable transit." We're currently in Phase 1 (2011-2012) which deals with getting feedback from the public and creating this Existing Conditions & Best Practices Report (tons of info, you should really check it out). Phase 2 (2013-2014) will be an Environmental Analysis and Stage 3 (2015) will be the start of construction. So we're curious... how do you feel about these major changes to Market Street?
We should probably back up a little. Let's start from the beginning. The group behind this proposal is known as Better Market Street. They consist of 15 individuals from MTA, Department of Public Works, Planning Department, Transportation Authority and Public Utilities Commission and were formed in 2011 (SFGate). The self-described goal of the project is to "revitalize Market Street and reestablish the street as the premier cultural, civic and economic center of San Francisco and the Bay Area." Those are some big plans. And big plans call for gutsy moves. Like removing cars from parts (or all) of Market Street. So what will go in its place? According to Better Market Street, "enlivened public plazas and sidewalks full of cafes... public art and performances... dedicated bicycle facilities... and efficient and reliable transit." We're currently in Phase 1 (2011-2012) which deals with getting feedback from the public and creating this Existing Conditions & Best Practices Report (tons of info, you should really check it out). Phase 2 (2013-2014) will be an Environmental Analysis and Stage 3 (2015) will be the start of construction. So we're curious... how do you feel about these major changes to Market Street?
